Using Biblical Examples to Inform Cultural Norms and Values
The Bible provides numerous examples that inform cultural norms and values, often presenting specific behaviors as commendable or as warnings. These examples serve as models for ethical conduct and spiritual development within Christian traditions.
One significant area is the call to holiness, which is commanded in various biblical texts (Leviticus 11:45, 20:7; Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 3:12; Romans 12:1) [1]. Holiness is presented as a character trait of God, which believers are called to emulate (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Ephesians 5:1), and also as exemplified by Christ (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:21-22; Romans 8:29; 1 John 2:6; Philippians 2:5) [1]. The Scriptures emphasize that holiness is necessary for worship and for seeing God (Psalm 24:3-4; Ephesians 5:5; Hebrews 12:14) [1].
Diligence is another value frequently highlighted. Christ himself is presented as an example of diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [4]. Believers are required to be diligent in seeking God (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6), obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:17, 11:13), and striving for spiritual perfection (Philippians 3:13-14) [4]. This includes cultivating Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5) and guarding against defilement (Hebrews 12:15) [4]. Early rising is also presented as a practice of diligence, exemplified by Christ (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) and various biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, and David (Genesis 22:3, 26:31; 1 Samuel 17:20) [2]. It is linked to devotion, executing God's commands, and daily duties, while neglect of it can lead to poverty (Psalm 5:3; Proverbs 31:15, 6:9-11) [2].
Hospitality is explicitly commanded (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9) and is considered a test of Christian character, particularly for ministers (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) [3]. It should be extended to strangers, the poor, and even enemies (Hebrews 13:2; Isaiah 58:7; Luke 14:13; 2 Kings 6:22-23; Romans 12:20) [3]. Biblical figures such as Abraham, Lot, and Job are cited as examples of hospitality (Genesis 18:3-8, 19:2-3; Job 31:17, 32) [3].
Conversely, the Bible also provides examples of behaviors to avoid. Sin is universally acknowledged, with all human beings born with a sinful nature (Psalm 58:3, 51:5) [5]. The wicked indulge this nature, while the godly fight against it (Romans 7:19-23; James 4:1-10) [5]. Sin is described as rebellion (Psalm 19:13, 32:1) and is seen as originating from the devil (1 John 3:8) [6, 8]. The first sin, involving Adam and Eve, is characterized not merely as eating forbidden fruit, but as self-love, dishonor to God, ingratitude, and disobedience [7]. The Bible also uses metaphors, such as marriage, to symbolize the covenant relationship between God and his people, with adultery representing spiritual unfaithfulness (Isaiah 54:1-8; Ephesians 5:22-33; Hosea 1–3; Ezekiel 23:4) [10, 11]. God's anger is depicted as a necessary response to sin, not a spontaneous emotional outburst (Romans 1:18) [9].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- Ezek (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezek 23:4: 23:4 Marriage is commonly used in the Bible as a symbol for the covenant relationship between God and his people (e.g., Isa 54:1-8; Eph 5:22-33). Adultery symbolizes Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness (e.g., Hos 1–3). God makes his covenants in spite of, not because of, his people’s character (Rom 5:6-11).”
- Ezekiel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezekiel 23:4: 23:4 Marriage is commonly used in the Bible as a symbol for the covenant relationship between God and his people (e.g., Isa 54:1-8; Eph 5:22-33). Adultery symbolizes Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness (e.g., Hos 1–3). God makes his covenants in spite of, not because of, his people’s character (Rom 5:6-11).”